Methods and apparatus for jewelry

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for jewelry may comprise an insert system for insertion into a locket system. The insert system may include a rotation inhibitor adapted to inhibit rotation of the insert system within the locket.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a modular interchangeable jewelry system and specifically to a modular interchangeable jewelry system comprised of one or more interconnecting and exchangeable modular components.

BRIEF BACKGROUND

Human use of jewelry extends beyond memory, tradition or recorded history. Throughout recorded history, jewelry has been used for many purposes. Like painting or poetry, jewelry may be used as a form of expression or assertion of a user's personality, feelings or ideas, demonstrating the uniqueness of a user. Jewelry may simultaneously be used to provide a functional way of storing personal effects in a meaningful way.

Jewelry is generally designed to form a single invariable unit of static design, preventing a user from customizing the jewelry to different parts of the user's body, or to serve different functional purposes. While various modular jewelry designs, including lockets, have been proposed in the prior art, much of the prior art focuses on either functionality or artistic need but not both.

A need exists for a customizable jewelry system with interconnecting and exchangeable modular components adapted to substantially easily attach and detach to and from any one or more of the other modular components in matter of seconds without any particular training, tools, or effort, while still fulfilling a desired functional purpose. A customizable jewelry system allows the user to build or alter the various modular components according to individual or personalized specifications and functions.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Methods and apparatus for jewelry may comprise an insert system for insertion into a locket system. The insert system may include a rotation inhibitor adapted to inhibit rotation of the insert system within the locket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

A more complete understanding of the claimed invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description of exemplary embodiments and claims in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the following figures, like reference numbers ordinarily refer to similar elements and steps.

FIG. 1A-B representatively illustrate modular interchangeable jewelry systems in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 2A-B representatively illustrate a locket system in assembled and exploded views, respectively;

FIG. 3A-C are front, side, and close-up cross-sectional views of a first portion of a locket system;

FIGS. 4A-C are front, side, and close-up cross-sectional views of a second portion of a locket system;

FIG. 5 representatively illustrates a side view of a locket system with a clip-lock attachment interface;

FIGS. 6A-B representatively illustrate front and side views of a locket insert;

FIG. 7 representatively illustrates an o-ring;

FIGS. 8A-B representatively illustrate a front view and close-up cross-sectional view of a locket front portion with a decorative surface including an embedded decorative object; and

FIGS. 9A-B representatively illustrate a clip in open and closed position.

The drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed embodiments in any way. The drawings illustrate only selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of any of the various embodiments. The drawings may not be drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Various aspects of the present invention may be described in terms of functional block components and various processing steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of components configured to perform the specified functions and achieve the various results. For example, exemplary embodiments of the present invention may employ various locket systems, linking elements, and seals, e.g., interchangeable locket elements, chains, strands, inserts, interfaces, and the like, which may carry out a variety of functions. In addition, various aspects of the present invention may be practiced in conjunction with any number of jewelry systems, and the apparatus and methods described are merely exemplary applications for the invention. Further, exemplary embodiments of the present invention may employ any number of conventional techniques for assembly, disassembly, and the like.

Methods and apparatus for jewelry may operate in conjunction with a jewelry system. Certain representative implementations may include, for example, lockets, bracelets, broaches, necklaces, and the like. The jewelry system may be coupled to any appropriate portion of the user's body to display the components and any elements attached, adhered, embedded, or otherwise disposed on or within the modular components. For example, the jewelry system may be attached to a limb or adjacent a neck, for example around the user's wrist or finger. The jewelry system may comprise any shape or size suitable to couple the components to a portion of the user's body and/or to display the various components. For example, the jewelry system may comprise a loop, lariat, or the like. In various embodiments, the jewelry system may comprise a looped article of wearable apparel, such as a necklace, bracelet, choker, belt, or the like.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-B, an exemplary embodiment of a jewelry system 100 may comprise a modular interchangeable jewelry system comprising any number of interconnecting selectable and exchangeable modular components adapted to substantially easily attach and detach for assembly into a single article of wearable apparel. The modular interchangeable jewelry system may comprise one or more modular locket systems adapted to substantially easily attach to and detach from the one or more modular locket systems, linking elements, and/or any other modular component.

For example, the modular interchangeable jewelry system may comprise a locket system 105 and a linking element 110. At least one of the locket system 105 and linking element 110 may comprise a connection point 115 adapted to substantially easily attach and detach to and from at least one of the locket system 105 and linking element 110. In various embodiments, the modular interchangeable jewelry system may comprise the multiple locket system 105A-C and linking elements 110. The locket systems 105A-C and linking elements 110 may include connection points 115 adapted to easily attach to, and possibly detach from, at least one of the other locket systems 105 and linking elements 110.

The interconnecting and exchangeable modular components may be adapted to substantially easily attach and detach to and from any one or more of the other modular components in matter of seconds without any particular training, tools, or effort.

The connection points 115 interconnect, couple, link, fasten, secure, and/or support the one or more locket systems 105 and/or linking elements 110. The connection point 115 may comprise any suitable element to attach, adhere, or otherwise interconnect one or more of the linking elements 110, the locket systems 105, and/or other modular components of the modular interchangeable jewelry system 100 in any suitable manner to form a single article of wearable apparel. In various embodiments, the connection points 115 easily attach to, and possibly detach from, other elements of the jewelry system. For example, the connection point 115 may comprise one or more of a clip, buckle, magnet, hook-and-loop fastener, hook, clasp, snap, and/or a loop.

In one embodiment, the connection point 115 may comprise a spring-biased clip attached to the linking element 110 and adapted to be coupled to the locket system 105, such as via a bail loop on the locket system. In an exemplary embodiment, referring to FIGS. 9A-B, one of or each end of the linking element 110 may include a clip 900. The clip 900 may comprise a pair of arms 905A-B, a hinge 910, and a latch 915. To assemble an item, the clip 900 may be opened and positioned around an attachment point on another element such as a bail, and released to releasably connect to the bail. To disassemble the item, the clip 900 may be re-opened and removed from the bail.

The linking element 110 links various other elements of the jewelry system to one another. In various embodiments, the linking element 110 may comprise an elongate member having a pair of distal ends, such as a chain, band, string, thread, strap, or the like. In one embodiment, the linking element 110 comprises a decorative chain comprising any desired style, length, thickness, material, color, texture, and/or features and having spring-biased clips or other suitable connection points 115 at each end. The linking element 110 may link the locket system 105 and/or other modular components of the jewelry system 100 in any suitable manner to form a single article of wearable apparel.

The linking element 110 may further comprise an adjustment mechanism (not shown). In various embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may comprise any mechanism adapted to adjust one or more of the length, angle, tilt, and/or configuration of one or more modular components relative to another modular component. For example, the adjustment mechanism may function to shorten and/or lengthen the space between various modular components of the modular interchangeable jewelry system 100.

The modular interchangeable jewelry system may further comprise a charm 120, such as an insert, backdrop, ornament, keepsake, dangle, amulet, talisman, or decorative item. In various embodiments, the charm 120 may be adapted to substantially easily attach to, and possibly detach from, one or more linking elements 110 and/or locket systems 105. For example, the charm 120 may include a connection point 115, such as a clip to connect to a link in a chain. In other embodiments, the charm 120 may be adapted to be attached, adhered, embedded, or otherwise positioned in the jewelry system, such as within an interior cavity of the locket system 105 and/or attached to one or more of the modular components of the modular interchangeable jewelry system via a connection point 115.

In various embodiments, the modular interchangeable jewelry system may operate in conjunction with a large collection of different elements to allow a user to design a vast array of different items, limited only by the creativity of the user. For example, the modular interchangeable jewelry system may operate in conjunction with a collection of multiple different types of linking elements, such as chains of various sizes, lengths, links, etc. The modular interchangeable jewelry system may also operate in conjunction with hundreds or thousands of different charms that may be selected or created by the user. Further, the modular interchangeable jewelry system may operate in conjunction with a variety of different locket systems 105, such as modular or nonmodular lockets, which may have single or multiple points for connection to other items, such as bails, connection points 115, interior cavities, and the like. By selecting among the various jewelry elements and assembling them according to the user's desire, the variations and possibilities for creativity approach the infinite.

A locket system 105 according to various aspects of the present jewelry system comprises a case, such as a small ornamental case worn as a pendant or bracelet, for storing one or more charms 120, photographs, curls of hair, keepsakes, or other items. The locket system 105 may include an interior cavity, such as an environmentally-controlled interior cavity, with at least one substantially transparent or translucent window to display the interior cavity and its contents. In addition, the locket system 105 may include small door or cover over the window that may open to reveal the contents of the locket system 105 without opening the interior cavity in which the contents are stored. The locket system 105 may be configured in any suitable shapes, such as ovals, hearts, and circles, and may comprise any suitable materials, such as plastic, metal, ceramic, glass, precious metals, and the like. The locket system 105 may include a connection point 115 and/or may be adapted to connect to a connection point 115. For example, the locket system 105 may include one or more bails, either fixed or configured to spin or otherwise move.

The locket system 105 may comprise any suitable case, such as a nonmodifiable case that cannot be easily modified (other than its contents) or a modular case that may be easily modified. For example, referring to FIGS. 2A-B, a locket system 105 according to various aspects of the present jewelry system may comprise a modular locket system 200. The modular locket system 200 may comprise any number of interconnecting selectable and exchangeable modular components adapted to substantially easily attach, and possibly detach, for assembly into a single locket system 105. The modular locket system 200 allows the locket system 200 to be assembled according to the user's wishes, such as by selecting elements from collections of different components according to the user's desires and intent to create unique locket systems 105.

For example, in one embodiment, the modular locket system 200 may comprise a first portion 205 and a second portion 210, such as a back portion and a front portion. The first portion 205 and the second portion 210 may be attached, and possibly detached, for example via an attachment interface 245, 215. The attachment interface 245, 215 couples the first portion 205 and the second portion 210 to create an interior cavity 220.

The modular locket system 200 may also comprise one or more connection points 115 or attachment points adapted to mate with a connection point 115, such as a bail 225, to facilitate attachment to, and possibly detachment from, another jewelry system element. For example, in one embodiment, the modular locket system 200 may be configured as a pendant comprising a single bail oriented perpendicular to the plane of the modular locket system 200 to receive a connection point 115, chain, or other linking element 110. On another embodiment, the modular locket system 200 may be configured as a bracelet or other contiguous jewelry element having two opposing bails oriented parallel to the plane of the modular locket system 200.

The first portion 205 and the second portion 210 may be configured in any suitable manner to define the interior cavity 220. The interior cavity 220 may be adapted for storage and display of any material and/or an object attached, adhered, embedded, or otherwise disposed within the interior cavity 220 to provide a changeable display of the material and/or object, such as the charm 120. The interior cavity 220 may comprise any dimensions adapted to store and display the material and/or object. In various embodiments, the interior cavity may comprise a hermetically sealed interior cavity to create a controlled internal environment. For example, the interior cavity may be airtight and/or waterproof.

In various embodiments, the first portion 205 forms the back portion of the locket system 105 and may comprise an interior perimeter 230. The first portion 205 may also comprise a window 235. In an alternative embodiment, the first portion includes a solid, nontransparent surface defining the back of the locket system 105. Likewise, the second portion 210 may comprise an interior perimeter 250 and a window 235 to facilitate viewing of the contents of the locket system 105.

The window 235 may comprise any suitable material configured to display the interior cavity 220 of the modular locket system 200, and any material and/or objects attached, adhered, embedded, or otherwise disposed within the interior cavity 220. For example, the window material may be glass, plastic, and the like. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, the window material may be opaque, transparent, semi-transparent and/or substantially transparent. In various embodiments, the windows 235 may be permanently affixed to the other elements of the locket system 105 to create a seal between the external environment and the interior cavity 220.

The attachment interface 245, 215 couples elements of the locket system 105 to each other. In one embodiment, the attachment interface 245, 215 couples the first portion 205 and the second portion 210 to create the interior cavity 220. The attachment interface 245, 215 may comprise any appropriate system for coupling the locket system 105 elements, such as one or more clamps, magnetic couplings and/or closures, threaded surfaces, hinges, springs, locks, connectors, clips, bolts, screws, friction fittings, rivets, adhesives, and the like.

For example, the attachment interface 245, 215 may comprise threaded surfaces configured to engage one another. Referring to FIG. 3A-C, in an exemplary embodiment, the first portion 300 may comprise an interior surface 305 and a collar 310. The collar 310 may comprise a threaded attachment interface surface 315 and forward-facing perimeter surface 320. Referring to FIG. 4A-C, the second portion 400 may comprise an interior surface 405 and a collar 410. The collar 410 may comprise a second threaded attachment interface surface 415 and a rear-facing perimeter surface 420. The threaded attachments interface surfaces 315 and 415 may be screwed together to attach the second portion 400 to the first portion 300. As the threaded attachment interface surfaces 315 and 415 are screwed together, the forward-facing perimeter surface 320 and the rear-facing perimeter surface 420 may approach and abut each other.

The attachment interface 245, 215 may comprise, however, any appropriate system for joining the elements of the locket system 105. For example, referring to FIG. 5, the attachment interface 245, 215 may comprise a locking mechanism biased to inhibit inadvertent detachment. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a stud 505 attached to the second portion 510 configured to engage a groove 515 formed in an interior surface of the first portion 520. The stud 505 travels through the groove 515 as the second portion 510 rotates relative to the first portion 520. At the end of the groove 515, a spring 525 biases the stud 505 into a detent to inhibit inadvertent reversal of the stud 505 through the groove 515.

The interior cavity 220 of the locket system 105 may be sealed, for example to maintain the integrity of the contents, prevent loss of the contents (especially liquid or gaseous contents), and/or maintain a particular environment within the interior cavity 220. In various embodiments, the seal may comprise a hermetic seal, a water resistant seal, and/or a seal against particular elements.

The seal may be created and maintained in any suitable manner, such as by adding one or more sealing elements to the locket system 105 and/or integrating one or more sealing elements to the locket system 105. The sealing element may comprise any suitable material and/or configuration, such as grease, wax, o-rings, encapsulated o-rings, sealing rings, sealing sleeves, sealing tape, and/or resin string.

For example, in various embodiments, at least one of the first portion 205 and the second portion 210 may further comprise a sealing element 240 disposed within a groove 255 in the attachment interface 215 of the second portion 210 and between the attachment interface of the first portion 205 and the second portion 210 (FIG. 2B). The sealing element 240 may inhibit penetration of contaminants, moisture, and/or air into the interior cavity 220. For example, the sealing element 240 may comprise an o-ring, such as a conventional resilient deformable o-ring formed of rubber or a comparable synthetic material.

More particularly, referring to FIGS. 3A-C and 4A-C, the attachment interface surface 315 of the first portion 205 (300) may comprise a threaded mating surface 350 and the forward-facing perimeter surface 320. A groove 355 may be defined in the forward-facing perimeter surface 320, which may provide a seat to receive the sealing element 240, such as the resilient deformable o-ring. In one embodiment, the groove 355 may comprise a milled groove. Likewise, the attachment interface surface 415 of the second portion 210 (400) may comprise a threaded mating surface 425 and the rear-facing perimeter surface 420. The rear-facing perimeter surface 420 may comprise another groove 430 adapted to seat the sealing element 240. The threaded mating surface 350 may be adapted to engage the threaded mating surface 425, allowing the first and second portions 205, 210 to be screwed together so that the interior surface 305 of the first portion 300 and the interior surface 405 of the second portion 325 at least partially define a sealed interior cavity 220, and the sealing element 240 forms a seal around the interior cavity 220. In addition, the first and second portions 205, 210 may be unscrewed to gain access to the interior cavity 220.

The jewelry system may further comprise elements adapted for insertion into the interior cavity 220. For example, such elements may have appropriate dimensions to be inserted into the interior cavity 220 and fit relatively snugly to maintain position in the interior cavity 220. For example, referring to FIGS. 6A-B and FIG. 7, an interchangeable locket insert system 600 may include a main body 605 adapted for insertion into the interior cavity 220. The interchangeable locket insert system 600 may further comprise a rotation inhibitor 710 to substantially control or prevent rotation of the main body 605 within the interior cavity 220.

The main body 605 may comprise an element to be inserted into the interior cavity, such as a decorative item. In one embodiment, the main body 605 comprises a rim 615 comprising an outside edge slightly smaller than the interior wall of the locket system 105. The main body 605 may further comprise an inner design element 620 disposed interior to the rim 615. The inner design element 620 may comprise any dimension adapted to be disposed interior to the rim 615.

The rim 615 and the inner design element 620 may define at least one aperture 625, wherein the aperture 625 is sized to transmit a substantial amount of light through the interchangeable locket insert system. In various embodiments, the aperture 625 may be adapted to display the interior cavity 220 of the locket system 105, and any design elements attached, adhered, embedded, or otherwise disposed within the interior cavity.

Without the rotation inhibitor 710, the main body 605 might inadvertently rotate within the interior cavity 220. The rotation inhibitor 710 may comprise any appropriate system for maintaining the position of the main body 605 within the interior cavity 220, such as to substantially control or prevent rotation of the main body 605. For example, the rotation inhibitor 710 may comprise a friction element, a brake, a stop, a lock, or other suitable mechanical system. In various embodiments, the interchangeable locket insert system 500 may further comprise an operable member adapted to substantially easily attach and detach from the locket. In one embodiment, the operable member is a pull tab.

In one embodiment, the outside edge of the rim 615 may define a cylindrical surface having a groove 630 adapted to receive a frictional resilient o-ring 710 such that the o-ring protrudes beyond the sides of the groove 630 and the outer cylindrical surface of the rim to engage the interior wall of the locket. When the o-ring 710 is seated in the groove 630, the locket insert system 600 may be inserted into the interior cavity 220 and the o-ring 710 may frictionally engage the interior surface of the locket system 105. The o-ring 710 may comprise any suitable material, such as rubber or silicone.

The various modular components of the modular interchangeable jewelry system may comprise any suitable additional elements and features. For example, referring to FIGS. 8A-8B, the locket system 105 may include a decorative surface 800. The decorative surface 800 may comprise etched detailing, embedded objects, and the like. In one embodiment, the decorative surface 800 may comprise at least one of a decorative object 810. The decorative object 810 may comprise rhinestones, beads, diamonds, or the like comprising any suitable cut, facet, or the like. For example, the at least one decorative object 810 may comprise a round cut.

The decorative object 810 may be adhered to, attached to or otherwise embedded in or on one or more of the linking elements 110, locket systems 105, and/or charms 120 in any suitable manner. For example, the one or more surfaces may be adapted to receive the at least one decorative object 810.

In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, the modular components of the modular interchangeable jewelry system may comprise any suitable material adapted for interconnecting, coupling, linking, fastening, securing, pulling, sealing, adjusting, and/or supporting the one or more linking elements, locket systems, connection points, and/or any other modular components of the modular interchangeable jewelry system. For example, the material may comprise stainless steel, glass, titanium, rubber, silicone, neoprene, plastic, fabric, and the like. In various embodiments, the material may comprise any suitable material adapted to be bendable, twistable, linked, and the like to conform to a particular part of a user's body.

The particular implementations shown and described are illustrative of the invention and its best mode and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Indeed, for the sake of brevity, conventional manufacturing, connection, preparation, and other functional aspects of the system may not be described in detail. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or steps between the various elements. Many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system.

In the foregoing description, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications and changes may be made, however, without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth. The description and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative manner, rather than a restrictive one and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the generic embodiments described and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the specific examples described above. For example, the steps recited in any method or process embodiment may be executed in any appropriate order and are not limited to the explicit order presented in the specific examples. Additionally, the components and/or elements recited in any system embodiment may be combined in a variety of permutations to produce substantially the same result as the present invention and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the specific examples.

Benefits, other advantages and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to particular embodiments. Any benefit, advantage, solution to problems or any element that may cause any particular benefit, advantage or solution to occur or to become more pronounced, however, is not to be construed as a critical, required or essential feature or component.

This description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the various embodiments or their application or uses. The phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical “or.” The phrase “A, B and/or C” should be construed to mean (A, B, and C) or alternatively (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical “or.” Unless otherwise stated or apparent from the context, steps within a method may be executed in different order without altering the principles of the present disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any variation thereof, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition or apparatus. Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials or components used in the practice of the present invention, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same.

The present invention has been described above with reference to an exemplary embodiment. However, changes and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. 

1. An interchangeable locket insert system for insertion into a locket having an interior surface having an interior wall, comprising: a main body; and a rotation inhibitor coupled to the main body, wherein the rotation inhibitor is adapted to inhibit rotation of the main body within the locket.
 2. The interchangeable locket insert system of claim 1, wherein the main body comprises: a rim having an outside edge slightly smaller than the interior wall; and an inner design element disposed interior to the rim; wherein the rim and the inner design element define at least one aperture, wherein the aperture is sized to transmit a substantial amount of light through the locket insert.
 3. The interchangeable locket insert system of claim 2, wherein the aperture has a greater area than the inner design element.
 4. The interchangeable locket insert system of claim 1, wherein the rotation inhibitor comprises a frictional material adapted to frictionally engage the interior surface of the locket.
 5. The interchangeable locket insert system of claim 2, wherein a groove is defined in the rim, and the frictional material is disposed at least partially within the groove and adjacent the interior surface.
 6. The interchangeable locket insert system of claim 1, wherein the rotation inhibitor comprises a locking mechanism adapted to interlock with the interior surface.
 7. The interchangeable locket insert system of claim 1, wherein the rotation inhibitor comprises an o-ring.
 8. The interchangeable locket insert system of claim 7, wherein the o-ring comprises silicone.
 9. The interchangeable locket insert system of claim 1, wherein the rotation inhibitor is adapted to control or prevent substantial rotation along the axis of an interior portion of the locket system.
 10. The interchangeable locket insert system of claim 1, wherein the insert portion comprises an operable member.
 11. The interchangeable locket insert system of claim 10, wherein operable member is a pull tab.
 12. An insert for insertion into a locket having an interior surface having an interior wall, comprising: a main body, comprising: a rim, comprising an outer cylindrical surface: having a slightly smaller diameter than the interior wall; and defining a groove; a rotation inhibitor disposed in the groove and protruding beyond the outer cylindrical surface, wherein rotation inhibitor is adapted to engage the interior wall of the locket.
 13. The insert for insertion into a locket of claim 12, wherein the main body further comprises an inner design element disposed interior to the rim.
 14. The insert for insertion into a locket of claim 13 wherein the rim and the inner design element define at least one aperture configured to transmit light through the insert.
 15. The insert for insertion into a locket of claim 12, wherein the rotation inhibitor is adapted to control or prevent substantial rotation along the axis of an interior portion of the locket system.
 16. The insert for insertion into a locket of claim 15, wherein the rotation inhibitor is an o-ring.
 17. The insert for insertion into a locket of claim 12, wherein the insert comprises an operable member.
 18. The insert for insertion into a locket of claim 16, wherein the operable member comprises a pull tab. 